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Deschutes County board approves draft IGA with Redmond to build managed camp; questions remain on operations and costs
Summary
Board approved a draft intergovernmental agreement with the City of Redmond to build a managed camp on city‑owned land; county staff and commissioners described capital splits, an operating envelope and a December opening goal while emphasizing further work on rules and management.
The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners voted Monday to approve a draft intergovernmental agreement with the City of Redmond to build a managed camp on the east side of Redmond intended to provide a regulated congregate site for people experiencing homelessness.
County staff said the draft IGA sets shared expectations for the site’s capital design and establishes an operating plan to be further refined. Deputy County Administrator Erica Croft and Parks staff member Chris Bollinger briefed the board on options the joint work group considered and on the decision to begin with a 36‑site layout ("option C") because it is the most cost‑effective per site and allowed installation of water and fire access.
Croft said the city and county had discussed splitting capital costs and identifying operating funds. "This IGA doesn't just look at capital construction cost, but it starts to look at what it's gonna take to operate this long term," she said.
Commissioners and staff discussed target timelines and funding sources. Staff said construction could begin in August if approvals are complete and the camp could open by December. Commissioners confirmed a county capital contribution figure in the packet of about $281,000 and discussed a proposed operational commitment that county staff described as a planning envelope of up to $250,000 per year for initial years of operation; leaders said the final annual operations obligation would be subject to later decisions by the board and influenced by in‑kind contributions from partners.
Commissioners also emphasized the need for a clear intake, screening and case‑management plan for residents; several speakers said successful managed camp models rely on screening, progress plans, on‑site rules and accountable case management. Commissioners said staff will run an RFP for a manager/operator and develop the intake and rules before opening.
Funding and partners: A board member confirmed that staff had identified $1.3 million in reprogrammable ARPA funds that could be used for the project’s capital or start‑up costs. The county and city also discussed in‑kind contributions — including possible assistance from the Fair and Expo Center on trash, porta‑potty and similar operational support — to reduce the county’s direct cash commitments.
Board action and next steps: A motion to approve the IGA as presented was made and seconded; commissioners debated operational funding and site details before voting to approve the agreement for finalization and signature. One commissioner stated a preference not to support funding of future operations in the current form; staff and the majority said the IGA establishes an envelope and that final operational commitments will come back for separate board approval.
Why it matters: County and city officials said the managed camp is intended to provide a safer, regulated alternative to unauthorized encampments and to support long‑term goals such as clearing state and federal parcels and facilitating a planned land exchange involving the fairgrounds.
Staff will return with finalized exhibits, an RFP for operations and further cost breakdowns for board review before larger operational budget commitments are finalized.
